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Sustainable development is our responsibility: PM Modi

March 4: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said anything which compromises on ability of future generations to meet requirements cannot be called development.

“We in India have always believed in sustainability. For us, the law of nature holds great value. If we all observe it, then many man-made laws will not be required. A path becomes sustainable, if all stakeholders are benefitted,” said Prime Minister Modi while addressing the International Conference on Rule of Law for supporting 2030 Development Agenda.

However, I must add a word of caution here. The stake should be natural. It should be inherent. It cannot be stretched to include those who may be working with ulterior motives. Nature is pure. Hence, only pure intentions can keep it intact,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that sustainable development can be achieved collectively.

“I am also confident that we can find ways for development which are in harmony with nature. We can find them along the road travelled by our forefathers. I hope the deliberations during this workshop will help in developing a shared understanding of these imperatives,” said Prime Minister Modi.

“We, in India, have a strong tradition of living in harmony with nature. We worship nature. We worship the sun, the moon, rivers, land, trees, animals, rain, air and fire. These elements of nature have been given the stature of gods in our culture. Moreover, in Indian mythology, most of the gods and goddesses are associated with an animal and a tree. Thus, respect for nature is an integral part of our culture, and has been passed across generations. Protection of environment comes naturally to us,” he added.

Prime Minister Modi said the role of rules and laws in achieving sustainable development goals is going to be very important in the days to come.

“However, rules should be such that they facilitate the achievement of these goals. Unfortunately, some times, the concern for environment is defined narrowly. We all have to realize that if there is conflict, no one’s purpose will be served. I hope that you will show us the way to build and ensure climate justice across the globe based on legal as well as social frameworks,” said Prime Minister Modi.

“Last year, in September, I attended the meeting of the UN General Assembly where the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030 were adopted. These goals reflect our evolving understanding of the social, economic and environmental linkages that define our lives. This was followed by the COP-21 where we contributed significantly in shaping the narrative. Our commitments at COP-21 underline the Indian ethos which aims at changing human lifestyle along with changes in the manner in which we engage in economic activity,” he added.

The Prime Minister pointed out that the problems of environment are largely the effect of our consumptive lifestyles.

“If we want to make a meaningful impact, we all need to look within; before we read the books of law. I have always felt that anything which is not sustainable cannot be called development. This cannot happen unless the development process is inclusive and sustainable. Anything which compromises on the ability of future generations to meet their requirements cannot be called development. We in India have always believed in sustainability. For us, the law of nature holds great value,” said Prime Minister Modi.

“If we all observe it, then many man-made laws will not be required”, he added.

Prime Minister Modi further said a path becomes sustainable, if all stakeholders are benefitted.

“However, I must add a word of caution here. The stake should be natural. It should be inherent. It cannot be stretched to include those who may be working with ulterior motives. Nature is pure. Hence, only pure intentions can keep it intact,” he added.